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Northern Portugal has some great waterparks near Porto, all within about one hour’s drive from the city. From serious adrenaline at Natur Waterpark, to wave pools on the picturesque Douro River at Parque Aquático de Amarante, and then there are the inflatable waterslides at Aquapark Fratelli and Waterpark Geres. Whichever Porto waterpark you choose, you’ll definitely be cooling down in the summer heat.
Here are the best waterparks near Porto:
Parque Aquático, Amarante
Portugals Waterparks and Blue Spaces don’t get much better than this. Located right along the Duoro River, Parque Aquático de Amarante is about a 45 minute drive, 60 km west of the city. It’s a local’s favourite nearest waterpark to Porto, and it’s not hard to see why. The waterpark is open from June to September, from 10 am until 7 pm daily.
So many waterslides!
Discover the Amarante Aquatic Park, which is actually the largest mountain waterpark on the Iberian Peninsula! Take on the Aquatube – a 95 metre open and closed waterslide with an unforgettable drop! Throw yourself into the Space Hole with a large splash bowl that will spit you out like a sack of potatoes once you’ve got dizzy spinning around. Or speed down the open Compact Slide – 94 metres of pure adrenaline.
If you still want more, enter the black tube of the Fast Moutain – try and keep your eyes open on this one as the views are incredible as it chucks you out. Turbolance is an inflatable ring waterslide with its up and downs and rounds and rounds! One word for this waterslide… addictive!
And let’s not forget the many different fast lanes and multi racer lanes where you can race your friends and family all day on these waterslides!
The Wave Pool and Waterpark
Love a wave pool? Parque Aquático, Amarante is the place for you. This wide-open pool is fantastic for the waves it pushes out. With two adjacent pools, it’s the perfect area for swimming, floating along the lazy river or just relaxing with the surrounding sunbeds.
There are numerous splash zones, aqua spray, mini slides and a kiddie pool for the kids. Adults can enjoy the adult pool with a diving zone and relaxing sunbeds. For an even quieter area, enjoy the green space, overlooking the stunning views of the Douro River and surrounding green scenery.
With a restaurant within the waterpark and loungers, sun umbrellas, lockers and safes available to rent, you can easily spend a whole day visiting this waterpark in Amarante.
Parque Aquático, Fafe
Located 50 minutes drive, 69km northeast of Porto, Parque Aquático Fafe is one of the bigger waterparks in the region. The waterpark is open daily from June to September, from 10 am until 7 pm (slides close at 6 pm). Perfect for the family, there are 4 pools (including a saltwater pool, adults only and children only pools), 9 waterslides including high speed racers, 8 plays (dry and splash zones) areas, 3 bars and 5 rest areas for you to enjoy.
What we love the most about Parque Aquático Fafe is the stunning, panoramic scenic views, especially from the tops of the waterslides. It shows that they take pride in having the best time at their park, with safety and cleanliness coming first, followed by entertainment from the park team to keep the kids, small and not so small, amused.
It’s not all for the kids though. Tranquillity is fun at Fafe Parque Aquático. There are quieter relaxing areas, an adult pool and several bars serving meals throughout the day. There’s even aqua fitness if you want to feel energised!
Vagasplash, Praia da Vagueira
Located right on the southern end of the Northern Portugal region, Parque Aquático Vagasplash is a popular small waterpark. It’s just over an hour’s drive south of Porto and 92km in distance.
The waterpark operates from June to September yearly, opening from 10 am until 7 pm. In the park, you’ll find aqua tubes for all ages, sunbeds, umbrellas, a playground, a football field, a volleyball field and mini golf. There is also a range of cafe-style food, ice creams, soft drinks and cocktails.
It is worth noting that Vagasplash is a saltwater pool.
What we love about Vagasplash is its location right on the beachfront. While the waterpark is quite small, you can still make a day of it by spending time on the natural sandy beach with lifeguards, bathing in the Salt Marine, going surfing on the waves and taking a Boat Trip on the Ria. It’s not a well-known tourist area – something to make the most of in Portugal!
Why not stay even longer in one of their Beach Style Bungalows? With everything you need inside, right on the sand with its own decking and accommodating up to 4 adults and 2 children, these bungalows give you the option for a great budget waterpark weekend away.
Magikland Amusement Park
Although an amusement park, rather than a waterpark, Magikland does have some great water rides and features. It is just over 30 minutes drive and 39 km west of Porto, so close enough for a few hours of visiting.
Here you’ll find the Magik Splash zone with a large pool and water slides, the Rio Bravo log flume ride for lots of smiles, bumper boats for some serious splashing, as well as the Pirate Lagoon and Galeão lake to swim in.
With plenty of other rides, attractions and facilities within the park, this is a great day out for families with younger children.
Azurara Parque Aventura
For a waterpark with a difference, go outdoors with Azurara Parque Aventura. As the closest waterpark to Porto, this adventure waterpark is just under 30 minutes drive north of Porto, just over 26 km.
Feel the need for speed as you get flung around on an inflatable whilst being towed by the back of a jet ski with Radical Buoys! Discover the pleasure of gliding over the calm Ave River with stand-up paddleboarding. Take a relaxing canoe paddle along the river. All with gorgeous views of Vila do Conde as your tranquil backdrop. There is also a small kid’s boat pool for the little ones.
Surfing and bodyboarding lessons are also available at the nearby beach at Praia da Arvore.
Along with a range of other outdoor activities, including wall and tree climbing, abseiling, air bungee, paintballing, zip slides and obstacle courses, this is about enjoying getting closer to nature.
Aquapark Fratelli, Barragem de Queimadela Fafe
When the heat really gets turned up, head just under an hour’s drive northeast of the city (76 km), where this inflatable Porto waterpark will welcome you at Barragem de Queimadela Fafe.
Sessions are available for 30 or 60 minutes. Bounce around, try and hold on or splash land with absolutely no grace whatsoever in the aquapark that will leave you laughing from head to toe. Take some lunch, chill out by the dam and watch others to see how it’s really done!
Natur Waterpark, Vila Real
Surrounded by nature and scenic views, Natur Waterpark is just over an hour’s drive of Porto. It is 90 km northeast of the city and is open daily from June to September, from 10 am until 6.30 pm.
This waterpark has so many water slides for all ages that there really is something for everyone. Fast drop slides, splash bowls, sheer drops, twists and turns, super sliders, wide steep walls, waterfalls, lazy pools, sunbeds, umbrellas and all the facilities and amenities for a great day out. There’s even an adventure park to extend the fun.
Natur Waterpark also offers great Portugal waterpark holidays. Bungalows and colourful chalets are available on-site to enjoy the experience even longer. You can also camp out in your tent, caravan or motorhome in their Natur Waterpark Campsite next door. Check out their website for some great offers.
Waterpark Geres, Praia do Alqueirão
On the Caniçada reservoir, Water Park Geres is located about an hour and 15 mins drive, 90km northeast of Porto. The Gold Quality approved beautiful river beach, and water is a good temperature between 23 and 25 degrees celsius – perfect for splashing into off these giant inflatables.
Start by climbing the Iceberg, before sliding down the 4.2m giant slide. Next, tackle the 6m top roller without falling off, with the giant pillow waiting for you to flip off whoever thinks they are safe! Splash about for 30 minutes or 1 hour, or how about a day pass and enjoy the stunning beach for the day?
Every year there are new inflatable challenges, along with paddleboard hire for your own adventure or guided secret beaches tour.
Why not explore a bit further while in the area? Blue Spaces such as Tahiti Waterfalls, Leonte Waterfall, Poço Azul (Conho River), and Portela do Homem Waterfall are just waiting to be discovered close by.
Do you have a favourite waterpark near Porto you love to visit? We’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.
Featured image credit: Parque Aquático Fafe
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